Photo By: David Scearce
It was a little muddy at Loretta's last year....
Here are our contributors. First, Shan Moore writes in:
Thanks, Jason. Look for Charlie Mullins to be wearing gear that is not predominately blue this weekend at Loretta Lynn's. Like Chad Reed, the Yamaha rider is contractually obligated to wear predominately blue riding gear, however, his contract also states that when he finishes on the podium he has the option to wear any color of his choosing at the next race. And since he won the national enduro in Tennessee this past weekend, Mullins will likely wear a color other than blue.
Mullins has been running away with the last few enduro rounds, and it's most likely just a matter of time before he finds the starts, consistency, and luck he needs to do the same in this year's GNCC series. Charlie told me after winning the Tennessee enduro that he thinks he'll be carrying a little bit of momentum into Hurricane Mills and he's hoping to come away with his first GNCC win of the year.
Photo By: Shan Moore
Team Mullins
Another rider getting in some saddle time during the week off from GNCC racing was Am Pro/FMF Yamaha's Thad DuVall, who won the opening round of the OMA series in Medora, Indiana. Thad has shown blazing speed in this year's GNCC series, leading in Georgia (until crashing out) and then getting a strong second behind Josh Strang in South Carolina. It's obvious that a GNCC win will come soon, and his OMA victory my have given him just the confidence he needs to get that done. I spoke to Thad on this week and he feels the win was a great motivation booster. "That was exactly what I needed to prove to myself I can finish out front," said DuVall, who battled for most of the race with GNCC-regulars Paul Whibley and Jimmy Jarrett. "Now that I know I can run an entire race with those guys I think I can get the job done in the GNCCs."
And now our man on the ground, Rodney Tomblin.
Thanks Jason! I am currently at the ranch getting ready for this weekends Acerbis Loretta Lynn's GNCC. The weather is dry and things could be a little dusty again. However, a quick check of the forecast says this could be another wet year down by Hurricane Creek.
Regardless of what happens weather wise, Loretta Lynn's Ranch is set to host another historic weekend of GNCC racing. The start used to be located on Stage Coach Hill (where the Rock A Billy Café is located) and started near the Camp Fire Show Stage which is located on the hill above the cemetery area as you make your way in through the front gate. There is no way the start could happen there now! The start has moved around over the years but has now found what looks like a permanent home on the AMA Amateur National Championships starting line and offers some of the most exciting starts on the tour.
This weekend's race is the one-year mark since 9 -Time ATV GNCC Champion, Bill Ballance last won a race. Sadly it could be the historical last win for Bill after the recent crash a few weeks ago while practicing. Bill was seen at the AMA ATV Motocross National held this past weekend at Ballance Motocross in Bowling Green, KY. Sounds like he was getting around pretty well and who knows, maybe Bill will eventually remount for another try at a GNCC win, but I am pretty sure it will not be any time soon. And one thing to remember about the King of the ATV is that he has come back from major injury and illness before to win before, so hope is still alive.
Photo By: Shan Moore
This is just a killer Taylor Kiser shot so we're running it.
On to the UTV races I said I would talk about this week. We have seen some interesting things take place already this year. And before I say anything else, let me go on record by saying that I feel we are looking at only an introduction to what UTV racing holds for the future in off-road racing. I feel that this is a sport that will grow and become probably even more spectator friendly over time and will be a credible racing genre that enthusiasts will enjoy for years to come. This in my opinion could have its own TV Schedule with Racer TV and could put ole Hoops on his toes as far as producing yet another TV show!
The UTV racing at the Big Buck GNCC was as exciting as ever and after the two rounds in, Team Starrett controls the points lead by only 3. Team Starrett consists of Josh and Charles Starrett, a father and son duo, with Josh driving and Dad as the co-pilot. The Starretts won the opening round in Georgia and held on for a 3rd place in South Carolina. Consistency is the key to success in any championship and right now they seem to be off to a good start. Team Starrett had better watch out though as a deep field of challengers are right there in the points chase and this could prove to be a challenge to whomever comes out on top at the end of the season.
Round 2 winners from Team Coastal 2 consisting of Driver Nathan Borovichka and Passenger Josh Humble moved up to 3rd in points after the impressive win. They finished 6th in round 1 and proved this past race that they are going to be tough to beat if they can continue to make things happen. Tied in points for 2nd over all right now with Team Coastal 2 is Team Stephens after 5th and 2nd place finishes to open the season. These three teams that lead the over all also lead the Open Modified Class as well. Team Kiger with Scott Kiger and Buck Brover sit 4th after 3rd and 16th place finishes and Team Hendershot with another father/son duo of Larry M and Larry D Hendershot who opened the season with a 2nd and 20th.
Team Fortner a Husband/Wife team is dominating the Open Limited Class with 2 wins to open the season in that class. Team Bootle with Everett Bootle and Casey Ferguson run a solid start to the season as well with two 2nd place finishes with a current ranking of second in the class.
Photo By: Shan Moore
One thing never changes in the GNCCs: Jimmy Jarrett nails starts. Look for him up front again this weekend, and if his shoulder can handle it, he could stay there to the end.
The Lites Limited class is being lead by Team Travelena consisting of Rich Travelena and Joel Winder are undefeated. Team Held with Jamie Held and Mike Jenkins runs second in the class with Team Stake tied for the spot after flip-flopping the 2nd and 3rd place finishes.
Till next time, God Bless Your Hearts and All Your Vital Organs!!!
This weekend at Loretta's I'll (hopefully) enjoy my first ever GNCC camping experience. The 'ol Subaru is loaded down with gear and come heck or high water, hopefully not too high water, I'll be bunking down in my tent. The Loretta's experience is definitely one of a kind, and I'm sure we'll see one of a kind racing there too. One individual in particular, is making the news and that's Jordan Ashburn.
If you haven't checked out Tuesday Toolbox with the Open A rider, you can check it out here.
http://www.gnccracing.com/articles/2107_tuesday-toolbox-jordan-ashburn
Jordan was blazing fast at the Big Buck, riding in contention for the overall lead. Jordan definitely has the "need for speed." The kid has a lot of fun wake boarding, riding his pit bike track and enjoying a whole host of other things. It's cool to see a young guy enjoy the balance of life and a successful start to the race career. I'm anxious to see what he can do this weekend if he can keep his brakes from melting!
Make sure you check out the Womens ATV class this weekend. The class is a full-on battle right now with the top 5 girls elbow to elbow in the point standings. Now that we're getting a little further into the season, things are going to start shaping up a little more.
Photo By: Shan Moore
Look out for Adam McGill this weekend, he's been strong so far on his new yellow and black ride.
If you want updates on Super Senior 50+ rider Glen Pritchard you can check out TheStatus.com (The same site you check on Cheyenne Smith) with the log-in prayingforglen@yahoo.com, the password is pritchard. Pritchard won the overall at Loretta's last year and we're really going to miss him and Ellen this weekend.
That's all from my side, see you guys this weekend!
Before we go, we must mention the two GNCC Racers we lost over the weekend. One was Chris Cole, who was racing ATVs in the XC2 class just two seasons ago. There is a benefit ride planned for him on June 19th, here's a link to more info. http://www.gnccracing.com/articles/2108_chris-cole-benefit-ride-and-auction
We also lost Brad Jeffries, who raced 4x4s in the series back in the 1990s. He was a bit of a pioneer, because Brad has some physical limitations, but that didn't stop him from doing what he loved. Click here to read his obituary. http://www.gnccracing.com/articles/2103_rip-gncc-family-mourns-loss-of-two-members
We're always sad when we lose a member of the GNCC Family-no matter if they raced with us two weeks ago, or 20 years ago. So keep these men in your thoughts. And go out and have fun this weekend doing what we all love to do.
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